Alice Springs Brewing Co’s ‘unique operating conditions’ investigated by NT Liquor Commission again

The ‘unique operating conditions’ of a Territory brewery are back under investigation – but the owner says he’s done nothing wrong. Find out more.

Alice Springs Brewing Co. Picture: Gera Kazakov

Accusations of “line ups” at a Red Centre brewery are behind a new Liquor Commission investigation, leaving the owner “frustrated” and believing the Commission is acting on baseless claims.

After the People’s Alcohol Action Coalition (PAAC) filed another complaint against the Alice Springs Brewing Co in March, the Liquor Commission is now investigating take away sales at the brewery, they have confirmed to this masthead.

Alice Springs Brewing Co owner Kyle Pearson said it is “incredibly frustrating” they’re back under investigation, as “there’s no actual evidence – or even a direct accusation – of wrongdoing by the brewery”.

Alice Springs Brewing Co owner Kyle Pearson. Picture: Gera Kazakov

“The complaint appears to centre on the idea that Aboriginal people from communities may be circumventing restrictions to buy alcohol from us,” he said.

“We understand the serious issues alcohol can cause in some communities, and we support effective regulation – but there is no law that prohibits serving people based on their race. Nor should there be.

“We comply with every law and licence condition and often go further than what’s required.”

The Territory Liquor Commission said “no allegation has been received by the Commission that the licensee has breached its licence conditions, the Liquor Act or the Liquor Regulations”.

“PAAC has, however, expressed concern that the unique operating conditions of the Alice Springs Brewing Co may be undermining the effectiveness of harm-reduction measures that apply to all other licensed premises that sell takeaway alcohol in Alice Springs,” the Commission said.

Alice Springs Brewing Co. Picture: Gera Kazakov

In March, PAAC spokesman Dr John Boffa alleged “line ups” were occurring outside the brewery, which is the only venue in Alice Springs selling take away alcohol on Monday and Tuesday – days take away alcohol sales are banned in the town.

Restrictions around the take away sales of alcohol in Alice Springs were made in response to a rise in alcohol-related violence in the town after the lapse of the Stronger Futures legislation in 2022.

Under the brewery’s current liquor license, it is authorised to sell take away alcohol on Monday and Tuesday.

PAAC has opposed the brewery since it was first proposed in 2018, and when questioned on the “line ups”, Dr Boffa said he did not have any photographic evidence.

“It shouldn’t be up to us to actually have to collect that evidence,” he told this masthead in March.

Dr John Boffa. Picture: File

“It should be the licencing inspectors that are pretty able to take pictures and observe and see what’s going on in terms of those queues.”

Last year, the NT Liquor Commission ruled it was in the “public interest” the brewery continues to sell take away beers on Monday and Tuesday.

The Commission did however restrict the hours which the brewery could sell takeaway alcohol upon completing a review into the brewery’s licence conditions.

The NT Liquor Commission is chaired by Russell Goldflam who is a former member of PAAC, something he previously declared in the last review into the brewery.

Now, Licensing NT records is set to provide records of takeaway sales at the brewery to the Commission, as per the Commission request.

“The Commission has also requested NT Police to provide records of police attendances in the vicinity of the premises. The Commission expects to receive the information it has sought within the next month and will then consider what if any further action to take,” the Commission said.

“As it always does, on completion of its inquiry the Commission will publish its decision.”